Suicidal behaviour and the effectiveness of pain control in common cancer patients

The literature data on the prevalence of suicide among cancer patients is introduced. It is shown that the rate of suicide in this group of patients is 2- 4 times higher as compared with general population. 406 common cancer patients with suicidal behavior have been examined. In 41,4 % of persons, pains of moderate, more seldom (14,0 %) of high intensity, with average duration of pain 2,78±0,33 months were present. At the start of the survey in 89,4 % of cases, treatment of chronic pain had unsystematic character. There was not full control of pain in any case. Among the leading motives of suicidal behavior, most patients indicated cessation of somatic suffering (88,9 %) and getting rid of poorly controlled chronic pain (86,9 %), that allows attributing them to risk factors. The conclusion about necessity of increase of efficiency of pain therapy, as well as to train doctors in palliative care, the wider introduction of methods of psychological support and psychotherapy in oncologic practice is made.